Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $69,000.00 - $92,300.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement benefits
Flexible work schedule
Professional development opportunities
Job Description
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a world-renowned public research university committed to excellence in education, research, and community service. Within its School of Medicine and Public Health, the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) stands as a leader dedicated to advancing radiation oncology through innovation in education, groundbreaking cancer research, and delivery of compassionate patient care. The department plays a pivotal role in training future leaders in the fields of radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiation therapy, while continuously striving to develop improved cancer treatments that enhance patient outcomes.
The Department of Human Oncology is currently seeking a dedicated Event Manager to lead its signature fundraising and community engagement events that support cancer research at the university. This is a regular, academic staff position that offers an expected salary range of $69,000 to $92,300 depending on experience and qualifications. The Event Manager will hold a critical role in managing and executing a dynamic portfolio of high-profile events under the Badger Challenge umbrella, such as the annual Badger Challenge walk, run, and ride event, the Badger Challenge Ball, the Champions Dinner, golf outings, and various partnering events. These events are essential in raising funds and awareness to accelerate cancer research and improve patient care.
The role demands a highly organized, energetic, and innovative professional capable of driving all aspects of event planning and implementation. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, operational oversight, project management, logistics coordination, vendor and volunteer relationships, budgeting, contract administration, purchase order management, and event-day operations. The successful candidate will ensure that every event delivers a memorable, engaging, and seamless experience for donors, participants, sponsors, volunteers, cancer patients and their families, and community partners.
With a focus on growth and sustainability, the Event Manager works closely with university leadership, development staff, marketing, communications teams, and the UW Foundation. Support is also provided by the Director of Volunteers and the Director of Sponsorship and Community Engagement to execute a collaborative vision. A key component of the role is to foster strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including cancer survivors, community leaders, sponsor representatives, and university personnel, all while aligning with the mission to enhance cancer research through philanthropy and public involvement.
Moreover, the position offers some flexibility with partial remote work, requiring some on-site presence at designated campus locations, balanced with opportunities to work remotely. The Event Manager will lead a volunteer force of more than 350 individuals annually, developing volunteer leadership structures and delivering training to maximize volunteer effectiveness. They will also administer all event registration and fundraising platforms, ensuring accurate data management and donor tracking in partnership with university stakeholders.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional communication skills and the ability to multitask effectively within a fast-paced environment. The role includes oversight of event-related finances, vendor negotiations, expense tracking, and adherence to university financial policies. Continuous evaluation of event performance through data analytics, participant feedback, and operational metrics drives ongoing improvements to enhance event quality and impact.
This position offers comprehensive benefits including competitive insurance plans, retirement options, paid time off such as vacation and sick leave, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to cancer research advancements. The institution fosters an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace that values the unique contributions of all employees. University sponsorship is not available and candidates must ensure eligibility to work in the United States. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about event management, philanthropy, and making a significant difference in the fight against cancer.
The Department of Human Oncology is currently seeking a dedicated Event Manager to lead its signature fundraising and community engagement events that support cancer research at the university. This is a regular, academic staff position that offers an expected salary range of $69,000 to $92,300 depending on experience and qualifications. The Event Manager will hold a critical role in managing and executing a dynamic portfolio of high-profile events under the Badger Challenge umbrella, such as the annual Badger Challenge walk, run, and ride event, the Badger Challenge Ball, the Champions Dinner, golf outings, and various partnering events. These events are essential in raising funds and awareness to accelerate cancer research and improve patient care.
The role demands a highly organized, energetic, and innovative professional capable of driving all aspects of event planning and implementation. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, operational oversight, project management, logistics coordination, vendor and volunteer relationships, budgeting, contract administration, purchase order management, and event-day operations. The successful candidate will ensure that every event delivers a memorable, engaging, and seamless experience for donors, participants, sponsors, volunteers, cancer patients and their families, and community partners.
With a focus on growth and sustainability, the Event Manager works closely with university leadership, development staff, marketing, communications teams, and the UW Foundation. Support is also provided by the Director of Volunteers and the Director of Sponsorship and Community Engagement to execute a collaborative vision. A key component of the role is to foster strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including cancer survivors, community leaders, sponsor representatives, and university personnel, all while aligning with the mission to enhance cancer research through philanthropy and public involvement.
Moreover, the position offers some flexibility with partial remote work, requiring some on-site presence at designated campus locations, balanced with opportunities to work remotely. The Event Manager will lead a volunteer force of more than 350 individuals annually, developing volunteer leadership structures and delivering training to maximize volunteer effectiveness. They will also administer all event registration and fundraising platforms, ensuring accurate data management and donor tracking in partnership with university stakeholders.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate exceptional communication skills and the ability to multitask effectively within a fast-paced environment. The role includes oversight of event-related finances, vendor negotiations, expense tracking, and adherence to university financial policies. Continuous evaluation of event performance through data analytics, participant feedback, and operational metrics drives ongoing improvements to enhance event quality and impact.
This position offers comprehensive benefits including competitive insurance plans, retirement options, paid time off such as vacation and sick leave, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to cancer research advancements. The institution fosters an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace that values the unique contributions of all employees. University sponsorship is not available and candidates must ensure eligibility to work in the United States. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about event management, philanthropy, and making a significant difference in the fight against cancer.
Job Requirements
- 5 plus years of experience organizing endurance, fitness, or charity events
- Experience planning events of 500 plus participants
- Ability to manage complex event details and coordinate with multiple stakeholders
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience managing event budgets
- Knowledge of safety standards for fitness events
- Familiarity with event management software and permitting
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in marketing, public relations, or business
Job Qualifications
- Proven experience organizing endurance, fitness, or charity events with strong logistics and timeline management, Minimum of 5 years experience
- Experience planning events with over 500 participants
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage complex event details
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience managing event budgets and controlling costs
- Understanding of safety standards for fitness events including crowd control, medical preparedness, emergency plans, and road safety
- Familiarity with event management, registration, mapping, volunteer platforms, and social media tools
- Experience with permitting
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, marketing, public relations, or business focus preferred
Job Duties
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Badger Challenge event portfolio, including the annual walk, run, and ride event, ball, dinner, golf outings, and partner events
- Manage all event logistics and operations, including venue selection, setup, course planning, permitting, transportation, safety planning, audiovisual needs, equipment rentals, signage, and vendor management
- Serve as primary administrator of event registration and fundraising platforms, including website development, participant communications, fundraising tools, reporting, and data management
- Oversee event merchandise and apparel programs, including design, vendor relations, purchasing, inventory, fulfillment, and distribution
- Serve as primary contact for participant, donor, sponsor, volunteer, and community inquiries, developing customer service strategies and resolving issues professionally
- Recruit, coordinate, train, and manage over 350 event volunteers annually, establishing volunteer leadership structures and training materials
- Develop and manage annual event budgets, financial forecasts, and expense tracking, negotiate vendor contracts, process purchase orders and invoices, and ensure compliance with university financial policies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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